año sabático
/ˌaɲo saˈbatiko/masculine
The English phrase 'gap year' is translated into Spanish as año sabático.
Año sabático refers to a yearlong break from study. When you want to say you are 'taking' a gap year, you should use the verb hacer (to do/make) rather than tomar (to take). For example, you would say hacer un año sabático.
Meaning: yearlong break from study (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'sabbatical year'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine singular form is año sabático. To form the plural, both the noun and the adjective must be pluralized, resulting in años sabáticos.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌaɲo saˈbatiko/
Did you know?
- The word sabático shares its root with the English word 'Sabbath', referring to the biblical tradition of letting land rest every seventh year.
- In some Spanish-speaking countries, a short break of a few months is sometimes called a año sabático even if it does not last a full twelve months.
- Because año sabático is borrowed from religious terminology, it is often used in professional or academic contexts rather than just for casual travel.
Examples in context
- Planeo hacer un año sabático antes de ir a la universidad.I plan to take a gap year before going to university.This sentence is useful for expressing a plan to take an año sabático before starting university.Tatoeba #4624769 by Heros, translation #2055176 by sundown
- Estoy planeando tomar un año sabático para viajar y descubrir nuevas culturas.I am planning to take a gap year to travel and discover new cultures.
- Voy a tomarme un año de descanso para viajar y disfrutar de nuevas experiencias.I am going to take a year of rest to travel and enjoy new experiences.
- Decidí dedicar un año libre para viajar y aprender idiomas en diferentes países.I decided to dedicate a free year to travel and learn languages in different countries.
- Él decidió tomar un año sabático para viajar.He decided to take a gap year to travel.
- Mi hermano está disfrutando de su año sabático.My brother is enjoying his gap year.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their post-graduation plans at a cafe.
- Lucía¿Vas a estudiar directamente o prefieres un año sabático?Are you going to study directly or do you prefer a gap year?
- JavierCreo que haré un año sabático para trabajar un poco.I think I'll take a gap year to work a bit.
- LucíaEs una idea excelente, Javier.That is an excellent idea, Javier.
- JavierGracias, Lucía, necesito un descanso.Thanks, Lucía, I need a break.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gap year” translations and entries año sabático, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries año, sabático, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
